Barnacles hostels in Dublin and Galway.

Top Hostels In Ireland!!

2011-03-03T10:10:00.007Z

The results are in for 2010 and Barnacles Hostels are proving to be the best hostels in Ireland. Barnacles hostel Dublin secured the top 4 place in Ireland with Barnacles hostel Galway taking 11th place!!

Barnacles Hostel Temple Bar was voted DUBLIN'S BEST HOSTEL 2010!! This is our 2nd year in a row scooping the award!!

Stay in the top hostels in Ireland! Book your stay today - visit http://www.barnacles.ie/

Father Who??....FATHER TED!!

2011-02-04T14:57:00.004Z

Father Ted TV Night in Barnacles Hostel

If you've ever travelled to Ireland or know an Irish person then you've heard of Father Ted!! So what is the Father Ted craze all about??

Father Ted is an Irish TV series and anyone familiar with it will know that means madness, mayhem and total chaos are not just inevitable but desirable. The Father Ted following has grown to cult status with a 'Tedfest' being held on the Aran Islands off Co Galway every year!

With the upcoming festival 17th - 25th February the staff at Barnacles have decided to have a look back at our favourite quotes and scenes from the show!

Favourite Quote No 1:
Dougal: It's nice to have a nun around. Gives the place a bit of glamour.

Favourite Quote No 2:
Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These
[he points to some little plastic toy cows on the table]
Father Ted: are very small; those
[pointing at some real cows out of the window]
Father Ted: are far away...

Favourite Quote No 3:

Ted: Of course... they all have lovely bottoms!

Favourite Quote No 4:

Dougal: What's going on?
Priest: We're in Ireland's largest lingerie department
Dougal: No. I mean in general.

Barnacles Hostels Favourite Scene:

The festival is limited to just over 100 people – knowing the words of the famous and much loved Father Ted composition “My Lovely Horse” and an undying love of tea and sandwiches are required attributes for those attending – although there is a beer garden for those who tire of tea! Below is a list of the main events:

•The Lovely Girls
•Ted's Got Talent
•The Ronnie Drew Hour (Beards Mandatory)
•The Virtual Confession Box
•The Craggy Island Kill Bill Festival
•The Father Ted Prizeless Quiz
•The Craggy Cup
•Matchmaking with Nellie
•The Pirate Cruise
•A Walking Tour to the Amish Community

Galway city also gets into the Craggy Island mood with events such as the Tedfest Toilet Duck Comedy Awards, the Father Ted Table quiz to name but a few!

Fancy a stay in Galway over the 24th - 27th of February? Come join us at Barnacles Hostel in Quay Street where we'll be getting in the Father Ted mood with Father Ted TV nights and general mayhem! Book your stay today! Click HERE!

Christmas at Barnacles

2010-11-30T12:49:00.007Z

For some, being away from home at Christmas can be a tough time. Christmas is about getting together with your family and loved ones and sharing some festive cheer (along with a fair bit of booze and pudding of course). So for backpackers on the road, Christmas and the New Year can be sometimes a bit lonely.

But all is not lost! Barnacles Hostels areset to rock this Christmas! Full to the brim with festive cheer, Barnacles will be holding a Christmas like no other!

Of course there will be turkey.......... of course there will be mistletoe and most importantly .................. of course there will be SANTA!!

We will encourage even the Scrooge backpackers to take part in our Christmas festivities. From ice - skating, to Christmas video nights (it is not officially Christmas untill Willy Wonka is watched!) If this doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit nothing will!

So come and join us! Make new friends and experience a Christmas to remember! Click HERE to book our Galway hostel and click HERE to book our Dublin hostel.

20 Things for the Lazy Chef to Cook!

2010-11-01T10:21:00.002Z

Having a microwave is nearly as important as having a bed! Not just used for heating left over's or making hot chocolate! They are (or should be) the best friend of the lazy chef!

15 Things to Cook in a Micro wave

Quesadilla: Easy, chessey. Lay a tortilla down, sprinkle some cheese on it, micorwave. Add salsa if you're feeling extra creative.
Microwave Dinners: They can be the diet kind, the healthy kind, the made for large appetite kind. And they can be tasty.
Baked potatoes: Grab a potatoe. Wash it. Poke it a few times with a fork. Wrap it in a paper towel. Microwave it for a few minutes. You'll know when it's done when you can easily poke the fork past the centre.
Popcorn: The old reliable - perfect for a movie night in.
Pasta (and sauce): Take yourself off down to the shop and buy a microwave packet of pasta and sauce. Mr Dolmio can't make it any easier!
Porridge: Perfect for brekkie on those baltic mornings we seem to be having!
Soup: Can > Micorwave > Bing > Bowl > Mouth > Hmmmm
Frozen Veg: Get your 5 a day! Toss frozen veg in a bowl with a little water. Microwave until they're hot!
Nachos: Always perfect for a late night :) All you need is taytos & cheese (and anything extra you feel like)
Poached Eggs: Careful these can turn out rubbery if you leave them on too long.
Rashers: Grab a plate, put down several paper towls, lay down some rashers, and cook until done. Instant hang over cure!
Scrambled Eggs: Crack some eggs, put in a bowl - mixing with a fork, and cooking. And feel free to throw in some of those rashers you also cooked, too, for some extra pizazz.
Hot Chocolate: We all know how to make this one!
Tuna Melt: Make some tuna (tuna + mayonnaise = tuna), sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on it, and voila! Tuna Melt!
Who ever said microwave things had to be meals? Heat up a chocolate muffin - get a massive bowl of ice-cream and there you have it! One of the best deserts/pick me up's ever - Enjoy!

So there you have it! Tell all your mammies to relax - you are not fading away from lack of food!

7th Wonder of the Hostel World!

2010-10-26T10:27:00.013+01:00

Barnacles Hostel in Temple Bar has scooped one of the industry's top awards in September achieving 7th Best Hostel in the World! The only Irish Hostel to feature in the line up, Barnacles are delighted to have won this award as voted by Hostelworld.com customers. This award will be added to Barnacles Hostels collection as last year we won Dublin's Best Hostel 2009! Definitely moving in the right direction we won't stop until we reach number 1!

What has made us one of the Best? Customers ranked each hostel on 6 categories: Location, Character, Security, Staff, Fun and Cleanliness. With over 20,000 customers booking daily through the hostelworld website this is the top award to achieve in the industry. A variety of nationalities come through Barnacles doors everyday - Barnacles provides a great way to meet new people in a fun atmosphere.

Our central location is one of the aspects our customers rank most highly. Staying in Temple Bar you're close to everything - major tourist attractions, public transport, and of course the bustling atmosphere of Temple Bar!! With countless festivals taking place through out the year, Barnacles Hostel simply soaks up the atmosphere!!

We know our customers are our VIP's!! Everything is about them! That's why we try and make their stay at Barnacles THE BEST EVER!! So no matter what time of day (or night) we're on hand to help our guests. Our guests love our in-house parties and themed nights as there is always loads of craic to be had :) Team all this with our top knotch security, professional cleaning team and of course our fantastic staff........what do you get?? A place on the Top 10 Hostels in the World!

A big thank you to all of our customers who voted for us! We're really chuffed!

Introducing the Full Irish Breakfast cocktail!!

2010-10-04T09:25:00.005+01:00

Here at Barnacles Hostels we encourage our guests to try new things and here is our latest.....

Have you ever tried a meat based cocktail?? Does the thought of one make your tummy flip and not in a good way?? Hold on ...don't stop reading just yet...this one is going to be interesting!!

Anyone can eat bacon for breakfast but can you drink bacon for breakfast!

The Full Irish Breakfast Cocktail is a totally new and unusual experience. In England, Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has had a hit on his hands with bacon and egg ice-cream (Gasp!!) so why not a bacon and egg cocktail??

For many, many years the Bloody Mary has been a great friend to those looking for something the morning after the night before. Maybe in years to come the Full Irish Breakfast will be too!

Ready to give it a try?? Here is what you will need.....

1.5 shots of pancetta infused Jameson's Irish Whiskey

1 shot of Advocatt egg liquer (if egg liquer is not your thing you can add a shot of egg white instead)

0.5 shot of maple syrup

0.5 shot of lemon juice

How to get the Pancetta infused Jameson?

Pan fry 3 slices of pancetta and when it is cooked, dry it with a paper napkin to remove excess grease (you see we're being healthy here). After the Pancetta has cooled down, put it into a jar with 0.5 litre of Jameson's. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 2 days. Scoop out the fat which will have settled at the top of the jar and fine strain the mixture with a cloth napkin or a coffee filter. Once strained, you can store the infused pancetta in the fridge for a long time.

Directions:

Fill up your martini glass with ice so it will be chilled and ready for your drink

Put ice cubes in your cocktail glass and add all ingredients mentioned above

Shake vigorously

Fine strain the cocktail mixture into your chilled martini glass

Garnish with a lemon twist

Followed all the steps? All that's left to do is drink it! Best of luck and if you try this cocktail please let us know what you thought....is it the cure to all hangovers?

Coming to Ireland? why not stay with us in Barnacles hostel in Dublin and Galway? Click here to read more

We're all looking forward to Arthurs Day

2010-08-30T16:18:00.005+01:00

23rd September Arthur's Day!!

This September we'll be celebrating the second Arthurs Day! On this day everyone will be out in streets at 17.59 with a pint of Guinness in hand to raise to Arthur Guinness. The echo will be heard throughout the country as every pub takes part in the event. This year to add even more of a party atmosphere Guinness will be staging a number of concerts to ensure the party goes on through the night. With bands such as David Gray headlining the event in Galway with other famous artists such as Sharon Shannon, Newton Faulkner and the Magic Numbers putting on a show. In Dublin the list of musicians is endless with Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro and Brandon Flowers to name but a few singing the night away.

Galway Races Review

2010-07-30T09:46:00.008+01:00

We have survived the madness of the Galway Races! We just about had time to catch our breath after the Galway Arts Festival before the celebrations for Race Week got under way. If you were in Galway this week you would have witnessed style and fashion beyond belief as the ladies strutted their stuff at the racecourse and around town. For those who weren't there, make sure you're here next year for this is the biggest event in Galways festival calendar!

Barnacles Hostel kicked off race week with a Mad Hatter competition. In exchange for 2 race tickets guests had to compete to make a 'mad hat'. Our guests (never shy of a challenge) got busy with materials straight away. There was glitter, glue and feathers flying everywhere and even a few sabotage attempts! But one hat prevailed ....... inspired by the swans at Galways Claddagh this hat had to win first prize.

Barnacles also had a go at predicting the winners........we didn't use any conventional methods such as form, past wins etc .......we based our decisions on the important things like the color of the jockey silks, the look of the horse and when there was a Galway jockey ....we backed him!

Turns out we were spot on with our race tip 'overturn' winning the big race of the day on Thurday.

Our guests also made us proud with their sense of style and taste for adventure with some of their headpieces bordering on the bizzare. But they were not the only ones, as night time on Quay Street brought all the style into the city. The trong of people enjoying the atmosphere and music was huge with Barnacles right in the middle of all the action.

So as of today, we hang up our boots and headpieces for another year. The festival fever still lingers in Galway with plenty more to look forward to in August.

Irish Quirks Uncovered

2010-06-29T17:27:00.008+01:00

Grand Soft Day.....it's banjaxed.....stop acting the maggot.....day for the high stool ......Every wonder what Irish people are talking about?? Some of our guests here have been putting pressure on us to unveil the meaning of our quirky phrases. we were reluctant as honestly we sometimes enjoy the look of confusion on your faces! but we'll give in ....here's an explaination of a few.......

1. A Grand Soft Day: This is drizzly rainy weather......not enough to soak you but still enough to frizz your hair (disaster!) Something we get alot of in Galway

2. Banjaxed: The object is completely broken.....never to work again.....like when our dedicated receptionist Anna broke the Twister board game there just was no fixing it - and we still haven't forgiven her!

3. Acting the Maggot: To act up or act the eejit ......Barnacles team member Scott does this on a regular basis always getting himself into trouble and all sorts of sticky situations....Check out our flickr page to see

4. A day for the high stool: One of our personal favourites! When it's raining so hard that there is simply nothing you can do but go to the nearest pub and plonk yourself down on a high stool by the counter and have a few beers. .....

What phrases did you come across when travelling in Ireland? Let us and our guests know .... you'll be helping generations of backpackers to come!

You've Been BARNACLED!! - the Barnalces leg of the IHH Around Ireland For Free Trip

2010-06-22T16:03:00.006+01:00

Yesterday, Barnacles Hostel took part in the Galway leg of the IHH Around Ireland for Free Trip. The Barnacles Challenge: To Barnacle 15 people by making them do the Macarena dance in Quay Street, Galway. Here's how the girls got on...........

'Today Melanie and I began our journey in Galway. First stop, Barnacles Hostel. Here we were given our first challenge - in order to earn our first night's stay, we needed to convince fifteen people to dance the Macarena in front of the hostel with us. This was no easy task. Armed with our Barnacles t-shirts and positive attitudes, we were promptly rejected by everyone we tried to convince at the Spanish Arch. Clearly folks are not as keen on making spectacles of themselves as we are. Eventually we decided that the only way to get the participants we needed was to lead by example. And so we danced. And people stared. And we danced some more. And the staff took pictures. And we danced, and hollered at tourists walking by, and eventually some folks took pity on our cause and danced alongside us. It took a few goes, and a few starts and stops of the music, and a few perplexed looks and outright refusals, but in the end we got more than the fifteen people required. We rounded off a good twenty minutes of dancing with eighteen participants and earned our night. We retire with the rhythmic beat and awkward gestures ringing in our memories.' Jennifer Mara

Check out more pictures on our facebook and flickr and video of the people the girls managed to Barnacle on the day

Best of Luck Girls from the Barnacles Team

Bloomsday - The Ulysses Challenge

2010-06-17T17:47:00.009+01:00

Well everyone Bloomsday has been and gone ……. so what do we all think? For anyone who was in The Meeting Square, Templebar, Dublin yesterday you would now be enlightened to the joys of Ulysses by James Joyce. It was perfect – the sun was out, there was free ice-cream nothing to do but sit back and enjoy the readings of Ulysses.

But I have to ask the question...... how many people have read Ulysses??

I myself have tried to read Ulysses twice already but failed miserably. The introduction alone to the book is longer than most books I have read!! So this is a challenge we’re setting here in Barnacles…..The Ulysses Challenge! To read James Joyces Ulysses (no cliff notes although tempting - it is cheating). Encouraged by yesterday’s readings, we’re going to dust off our copies and try again. This time we’re going to read it in public places like the bus or train or even behind the reception desk – once you start to read a book in public you are committed to finishing it!! What happens if someone you know spots you reading it and then asks you how you got on?? We can’t face the shame of saying it was too hard!! So if you hear the staff at Barnacles spontaneously quoting from Ulysses or suddenly demanding gorgonzola cheese sandwiches you’ll know what we’re up to.

We’re going to give it go - will you?

Barnacles Hostel Staff Save the Day

2010-06-14T11:18:00.004+01:00

In an amazing feat of heroics today, Barnacles staff member Leprechaun Lorenzo tracked down and rescued his kidnapped cousin Seamus of the Four Courts Hostel. Seamus was being held captive by none other than evil Barbie who was torturing Seamus to reveal the hiding place of the luggage room keys. Young Seamus fell victim to Barbies evil way and was lured by Barbie by her exotic Irish dancing. Seamus is very grateful to Lorenzo for the rescue as he had begun to fear for his life!! Lorenzo has been working in Barnacles Hostel since 1993 and when interviewed Lorenzo claims he never gave up hope in finding his missing cousin and never thought of the danger he was in as he stormed Barbies hide out. He claims he understands how Barbie fooled Seamus as all Leprechauns have a weakness for Blonde girls doing what he calls ‘lovely irish dancing’. A big session will be underway as Lorenzo and Seamus base themselves in Barnacles Hostel in Galway for the week and get reacquainted with a few pints of Guinness. As for Barbie she is facing charges of kidnap, assault and Irish Dancing fraud.

IHH Travel Around Ireland for Free

2010-06-10T13:49:00.004+01:00

It's that time of year again, where hostels in Ireland have come together to show that our famous Irish hospitality is still alive and kicking. We've found two willing volunteers who are ready to take on the challenge. Their aim is to try and complete a trip in Ireland without spending a penny!! They will have to rely on their gift of the gab as they try to charm their way from Galway to Sixmilebridge in County Clare over the space of the week.

Those two girls don't know what they're in for - We're not going to make it easy! We have been warned that they will be heading our way on the 21st of June. With no money changing hands, what is the price of a warm cosy bed for the night? If they want a free bed they must complete a challenge we set for them. But what challenge?? It must involve embarrassment (on their part!), laughs and good oul Irish craic!

Competition Winner

2010-05-19T10:40:00.003+01:00

All of us at Barnacles Quay Street House were delighted to collect our award last week for Best Window boxes 2009 from Galway's Tidy Towns Committee. All the "tomato" feed and talking to the plants paid off in the end!

Our awards include a Winners plaque 2009 and holder of the Bill Madden Perpetual Trophy for the next 12 months, and you can see these displayed at reception.

This is the second time Barnacles Quay Street House won this award, the previous occasion was 2007.

Barnacles Apartment - Galway

2010-05-07T12:23:00.004+01:00

If you fancy some space and independence during your weekend away in Galway City then Barnacles apartment could be just what you are looking for.

Our modern two bedroom apartment on Kirwins Lane in the Galway Latin Quarter can be booked online or by reception at Barnacles Quay Street House. The apartment accommodates upto 4 people in 2 double rooms.

Book at galway@barnacles.ie or call us at +353 91 568644

Early start to Summer at Barnacles

2010-04-11T16:40:00.004+01:00

The fantastic "Summer" this weekend has brought everyone out on Quay Street, Galway. Lots of good food, drink and fun all on our doorstep (literally!)

All that's missing is you!

2010-04-08T19:46:00.006+01:00

We are so glad that St Patricks Day 2010 went down a treat!

With Parties happening on the street.

And good times had by all!

To see more photo's just check out our flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/baranclesdublingalway/

Dublin's hostels break Guinness World Record

2010-02-08T19:56:00.004Z

Barnacles Temple Bar House as part of Dublin's Best Hostels broke a Guinness World Record on 25th January at the Hostelworld 2010 Hoscar awards in the Button Factory in Temple Bar (across the street from Barnacles).

The Guinness World Record was for "the most amount of people on a bunkbed". Incredibily they managed to fit 29 people on the bunk bed.

You can see more pictures on http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9016&id=100000448178946&l=f35b8999c8

Australia Day at Barnacles Hostel Galway & Dublin

2010-01-31T16:12:00.005Z

See what our Aussies were like in Barnacles Galway BEFORE they went out to celebrate Australian Day http://www.youtube.com/user/BarnaclesHostels#p/u/0/uO0Mh0wuH9c

Dublin's Best Hostel 2009

2010-01-27T20:49:00.003Z

We are delighted that Barnacles Temple Bar House has been voted Dublin's Best Hostel for 2009 by Hostelworld customers at the Hoscar Party in Dublin on Monday night.

And if that wasnt praise enough we are also voted No. 6 in the Top 10 Hostels in Ireland for 2009. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.............. you have made our day!!:)

Australia Day

2010-01-22T19:27:00.004Z

Barnacles are welcoming all Aussies on Australia Day, 26th January. And to make our welcome extra special we are offering 10% off to all Australians staying on the day, there will be prizes and give aways on the day too...

Guinness World Record

2010-01-16T17:06:00.004Z

Barnacles Temple Bar House, and our friends at Dublin's Best Hostels are counting down the days to attempting a Guinness World Record on Monday 25th January "the largest amount of people on a bunkbed".

We can't wait! ....Check back with us again to find out how we get on and for a video of the record attempt .

Ho! Ho! .. Merry Christmas

2009-12-12T18:36:00.002Z

Looking for a place to stay this Christmas?

Barnacles Dublin & Galway are looking forward to a fun filled Christmas this year. Book now to avail of our Christmas rate ... €50 for 3 nights in a dormitory room with Christmas dinner.

Halloween Fun at Barnacles Hostels

2009-11-05T10:06:00.003Z

Oh what a scary time we had this Halloween!! From freaky guests to heads in bowls of water, we really did have a great weekend.

We caught it all on camera and here are just a few photos to tease you with, you know where to come next year!!

Temple Bar House Guests prepare for the night ahead

Who is this mummy?!

The party gets under way at Quay Street House

Some people will do anything for an apple!

The look of fear is in their eyes, preparing to bob for apples!

Playing doctors and witches!

The gang from Temple Bar house show how it's done!!

Is it possible to drink with all that gear on?!

As you can see, we all had a great time and thank everyone who made the effort and got involved. We hope you had a great night!

Book your stay online at www.barnacles.ie

Get on yer bike!

2009-10-15T15:42:00.006+01:00

Brace yourself for Dublin’s latest tourist friend!! There’s a new bicycle scheme being set up at the moment which lets everyone have the chance to hire solid city bikes, free for a half an hour to explore our fine city! Dublin is one of many European cities running this scheme which seems to be really popular with locals and tourists.

There are plenty of cycle tracks in Dublin, so it's not like other cities where you are stuck behind mountains of traffic, allowing you to see the whole of the city in a couple of hours.

The bikes are a great way to get a sampler of Dublin architecture, life and culture and what’s more you’ll be doing your bit to reduce your travel’s impact on the environment!

Just watch out for those oh so annoying double decker buses!!

For more info check out the Dublin Bikes website . . . http://www.dublinbikes.ie/

Barnacles Temple Bar House Music Week

2009-09-24T12:13:00.006+01:00

We hosted our first Music Week event at our Temple Bar House hostel this week and thank all those who took part! Each night from 6pm our guests were given free Sangria, snacks and discount cards, for the Dublin Backpacker Pubcrawls and some great gigs that took place at The Academy. We also had Jameson Whiskey tastings taking place in the hostel nightly for some VERY lucky guests! Tonight is the last music night and it's going to be the best as we celebrate the great Arthur Guinness (1785-1803), founder of the famous Guinness Brewery with some pints and plenty of Irish craic!

The guests really got involved . . .

It could be to do with the drink they had during the Jameson Tastings . . .

Some even went up on stage for a sing song!

Jimmy and the Music Box were great . . .

And so was the Jameson!!

And it was all thanks to you, our guests and our wonderful team!

A huge thank you is owed to all the great acts who entertained us during this fantastic week . . . . Jimmy & The Music Box, Shane, Thomas, Peter & Martin, Sue from Irish Dance Party, Eli Albarran and tonight's band, The Quakers. And to Sabine for her expert Whiskey advice sessions.

We hope to see you all again very soon!! :-)

Barnacles Quay Street House Boogie Nights

2009-09-16T14:38:00.008+01:00

14th - 17th September 2009

Barnacles Boogie Nights
All this week, we got our fancy dress kit on and partied like there was no tomorrow! The Music blared, free food and tasty punch were consumed and prizes galore were won! If you were with us for it, thanks for joining us and hope you had a great time. We enjoyed your company. If you weren't with us, where were you?! You missed a great time . . . here are the photos to prove it!

Ironing . . . the joys of it!!

The Number One Disco Diva!

Slainte!

The gang needed a reason to party . . .

. . . Enter the DJ!!

Oh and the balloons!

Getting busy making balloon models

Wearing balloons . . . .

Creativity was key!!

What was that?!

It was like X Factor for balloons!

But with lots of winners!

Thanks everyone for joining us. We hope you enjoyed your stay with us and we look forward to seeing you again soon!!

Top Five Travel Tips

2009-08-31T15:22:00.005+01:00

Money's too tight to mention, so here are our top five tips on how you can cut costs without cutting your fun!

Bring your student card - don't be afraid to ask for discounts, huge rewards when you do!!
Keep an eye open for discount and free entry cards, usually available for local museums, nightclubs, gigs etc.
Dine out as little as possible - team up with others and share your cooking, it works out cheaper and gets you involved with others.
Make use of free public services - keep in touch with family and friends for free when you use internet services at local libraries. Get locally cultured when you visit museums and galleries which are usually free to enter.
Walk, don't ride - see even more of the country you are visiting. Public transport can sometimes be expensive, so we suggest walking and exploring rather than busing it and missing out. It's great exercise too!!

New Galway Hostel Photos...

2009-08-17T17:07:00.002+01:00

Do you want to have a look inside our Galway hostel, Barnacles Quay Street House? Check them out here.

Like what you see? Visit our website.

Backpacking Ireland Map

2009-08-10T10:10:00.005+01:00

Are you planning a backpacking trip around Ireland? Use this helpful printable map to find a hostel where you are going. Remember to book in at Barnacles in both Dublin and Galway as part of your trip!

Discover Ireland without spending a cent and live off your wits

2009-08-06T14:20:00.002+01:00

The Independent Holiday Hostels of Ireland have 10 young volunteers who will be hitting the road over the coming weeks. They are charismatic, fun, talented, ready for adventure and for a week won’t have a red cent. They intend to have a week long holiday without spending anything.

They must beg, borrow and steal to get through their week long odyssey. The first of our volunteers, Claire Prendergast and Sadhbh O’Sullivan will be heading for the Southwest around Cork and Kerry.

They will be staying at hostels during their trip that have set them tasks to earn their bed. Their first stop in Sheila’s Hostel in Cork involves them earning a bed by rollerblading up St. Patrick’s Hill in Cork carrying a full pint of Murphy’s without spilling a drop.

Check out their blog!

10% Discount for Facebook Friends

2009-08-04T16:13:00.005+01:00

If you are a friends of Barnacles on Facebook then for the month of August we're giving you a 10% discount on bookings.

You just need to send a message to our Galway or Dublin hostel and we'll hook you up with the discount!

Some Quick Terms and Conditions:

* This offer is only valid for bookings made between 1 August - 31 August 2009

* This offer is only valid for new bookings. Existing bookings can not be amended to include the discount.

* The person making the booking must mention the offer upon booking

* Bookings must be made via Facebook message and person making the booking must be a Barnacles Facebook friend

Barnacles Gearing Up For Galway Races

2009-07-24T15:57:00.008+01:00

Monday marks the start of the Galway Races and boy are we EXCITED! You don't need to know anything about horse-racing, all you need to know is how to have a good time! So what's happening next week and how much does it cost?

Mon 24th: - €20 - Qualified Riders Handicap - 5:10pm
Tues 25th: - €25 - Tote Galway Mile Handicap - 5:10pm
Wed 26th: - €30 - William Hill Galway Plate - 1:50pm
Thurs 27th - €30 - Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle - 1:50pm
Fri 28th: - €25 - Guinness Handicap - 5:10pm
Sat 29th: - €20 - Freshways Handicap Hurdle - 2:15pm
Sun 30th: - €20 - Handicap - 2:15pm

Need a place to stay? Barnacles Quay Street House has a few spots left - but get in quick!

Barnacles in Top 10 for June!

2009-07-22T12:20:00.003+01:00

Barnacles Temple Bar House has been voted in the TOP TEN HOSTELS in June for the UK & Ireland by our Hostelworld Guests! A big thanks from the whole Barnacles team ... we're happy you had a great time with us in Dublin and hope to see you all again soon!!!

Galway Arts Festival - One More Week of Crazy Fun

2009-07-20T14:29:00.004+01:00

Last night was the Macnas Parade for the Galway Arts Festival. There was a lot of crazy stuff going on and we took our camera down so you could have a look... Check out our photos

We also took a couple of videos so you can really see what was going down.

Why would you need a guitar?

2009-07-17T16:00:00.002+01:00

When you can make a guitar (and pets) out of cardboard? Might sound odd but that's just one of the crazy characters on the streets of Galway this week.

Barnacles Quay Street House is in the thick of the action for the Galway Arts Festival -- an event which runs from 13-26 July 2009. At lunch time today we took a walk down Quay Street and Shop Street and took some photos of all the craziness happening...

Check out the photos we took during our lunch time stroll.

Temple Bar Circus Festival

2009-07-13T16:46:00.005+01:00

This past weekend gasps of amazement could be heard all around Temple Bar as the Temple Bar Circus Festival hit town. As usual Barnacles Temple Bar House was right in the thick of things, so we stepped outside our front door and took a few photos for your enjoyment!

Galway Hostel Party Week

2009-07-13T11:51:00.003+01:00

Last week, 5th-9th July, we celebrated the kick off of summer (or what was suppose to be summer) with live music in our Galway hostel every night during the week. After free drinks and live music everyone then headed off on an awesome pubcrawl. Heaps of fun was had... Want to check out some pics we took inside the hostel... click here. We also took some videos... check them out!

Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival

2009-06-30T10:16:00.004+01:00

Celebrations were a plenty this past weekend with thousands of people showing up for Dublin's Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade. The theme was "Pride and Prejudice" and celebrated literary gay icons throughout history. The parade was just down the road from Barnacles Temple Bar House and we showed up with our camera!!

What to do in Temple Bar on a Saturday?

2009-06-29T16:40:00.008+01:00

Well.... there's lots to do!!!

This past weekend we sent out our resident photographer (also known as Tanya, the manager of Barnacles Temple Bar House) to go and have a stroll in the sunshine around Temple Bar and take some photos of what was going on. You'll find these markets just minutes away from Barnacles Temple Bar House

1. Temple Bar Food Market: 10am - 4:30pm every Saturday, Temple Bar Meeting House Square .... Oysters, Mexican, Cheese, Crepes, Fruit, Fish, Sushi .......

2. Temple Bar Book Market: 11am - 6pm every Sat & Sun, Temple Bar Square ... second-hand, new, antique, vinyl .....

3. Designer Mart: 10am - 5pm every Saturday, Cow's Lane (off Lord Edward Street) ... jewellery, fashion, furniture, visual arts, photography ....

Check out more of Tanya's photos here!

Galway Film Fleadh, 7 - 12 July

2009-06-26T15:02:00.004+01:00

The Galway Film Fleadh celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and to mark the occasion - and as a way of combating the gloom of the recession - this year’s theme is ‘uplifting films’.
The fleadh will run from Tuesday July 7 to Sunday 12 and as well as plenty of feel good films, there will be Irish and world premiers, short films, documentaries, workshops, and a public interview.

This is all happening just minutes away from Barnacles Quay Street House. So make those last minute bookings and get in quick!

Longest Day of the Year - Temple Bar

2009-06-22T10:06:00.004+01:00

Yesterday was the longest day of the year and in Temple Bar it was celebrated with fire, feasting, film and a fair to mark Midsummer in Dublin.

All the action was just minutes away from Barnacles Temple Bar House!

Barnacles joins Twitter

2009-06-19T15:54:00.004+01:00

Follow Barnacles on Twitter to find out the best way to spend time in Ireland!

Battle of the Axe - BIG Barnacles Discount!

2009-06-18T11:00:00.008+01:00

Check out Dublin City’s latest emerging acts such as comedians, singer/songwriters, actors, poets, etc along with experienced and renowned MCs strut their stuff every Tuesday and Thursday at the Battle of the Axe. If you're staying at our hostel, Barnacles Temple Bar House, then you get 50% off the admission price.

Where? Ha'Penny Bridge Inn
When? Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30pm
What's coming up?

Thursday June 18th: Battle of the Axe Comedy Club & Damo Clarke MC + Special Guest Andrew Stanley
Tuesday June 23rd: Battle of the Axe Open Mic Comedy & Singer/Songwriters —Open Mic Special– the run continues Ruairi Campbell MC
Thursday June 25th: Battle of the Axe Comedy Club & Ha'Penny Laugh Improv with with Graeme Singleton MC & Birthday Boy Tommy NicklesonTuesday
June 30th: Battle of the Axe Open Mic Comedy & Singer/Songwriters - Open Mic Special - the run continues – Rory O’ Hanlon

Street Performance World Championships - Dublin

2009-06-17T18:16:00.004+01:00

The Street Performance World Championship run Thursday 18 June - Sunday 21 June! The best contortionists, piano jugglers, magicians, breakdancers, comedians and a whole assortment of world-class professional jesters will descend on Dublin and to battle it out for the most coveted title in street performance, the Street Performance World Champion. Come and check it out!!

Galway Summer Kick Off Party!

2009-06-08T13:55:00.005+01:00

Galway Hostel Summer Party ** 5th-9th July 2009

Barnacles Quay Street House in Galway is hosting a Summer Party on the 5th-9th July. Every night there will be LIVE MUSIC and FREE DRINKS in the hostel and then everyone can go out on an organised PUB CRAWL.

It's a great way to experience Galway and get to meet your fellow travellers.

There is no additional cost - the price is included in your bed price. For more details visit our website

Dublin on a Budget

2009-06-04T16:33:00.003+01:00

Want to get some ideas about what to do in Dublin if you're on a budget? Check out this Insider's Guide from Visit Dublin.

Everything they recommend is only a stones throw from Barnacles Temple Bar House - so it really is the best place to stay in Dublin!

Bloomsday - Temple Bar, Dublin - 16th June

2009-05-28T17:53:00.012+01:00

BLOOMSDAY marks the day in 1904 on which all the action of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place. It is celebrated every year on 16th June by Joyceans all over the world. In Dublin, where the novel is set, Bloomsday celebrations go on for a week, with most of the attention on the day itself.

Need a place to stay?

Enjoy the Bloomsday entertainment at Barnacles Temple Bar House! We still have beds available, so get in quick!

Temple Bar Bloomsday Line Up:

** 11am - 3pm: Reading & Songs in the Square (Meeting House Square)
** 12pm - 2pm: Blooms Day Jazz Band (Bank of Ireland College Green)
** 12:30 - 2pm: Guinness Jazz Band (Temple Bar Square)
** 1:30 -3:30pm: Jazz Quartet (Fleet Street)
** 7:30pm: Special screening of John Huston’s classic film adaptation of Joyce’s ‘Dubliners’ story at the IFI this Bloomsday. (Irish Film Institute)

CHEAP AS CHIPS BEDS

2009-05-26T15:28:00.003+01:00

Are you coming to Dublin this weekend? 29-31 May

Despite the fact it's a bank holiday we have the best price on offer for a 6 bed dorm - only €20 (where it would usually be €32.50).

Just book online - and get in quick!!

Volvo Ocean Race HITS GALWAY!

2009-05-26T15:18:00.007+01:00

The Volvo Ocean Race has taken Galway by storm. If you're not here then you definitely should be. With entertainment happening in the race village as well as in every pub and club in town - this two weeks is going to be one to remember.

Barnacles Quay Street House have a few beds left if you want to head on over -- Check availability and book here.

We have a WINNER

2009-05-26T15:15:00.002+01:00

A massive thanks to everyone who completed our online survey. Our lucky winner is Kathryn Pesch of the USA. The beautiful new Apple iPod Touch will be coming your way with love from the Barnacles team!

Barnacles on YouTube!

2009-05-05T17:32:00.005+01:00

Want to meet the staff? Take a tour of the Barnacles facilities? See what Dublin and Galway are really like? Or hear what other guest have to say....? Then watch our new videos!

The videos will show you what Barnacles is like and let you know why you should choose Barnacles as the place to start your Irish experience!

Win a brand new Apple iPod Touch

2009-04-21T17:12:00.005+01:00

Have you stayed at Barnacles recently?

If so, we want to know how you found it! By just completing our survey you could win a fantastic new Apple iPod Touch 8GB valued at over €200! We'll send it to where ever in the world you are!

Your help is hugely appreciated and it will only take a few minutes... Start Survey

The lucky winner will be announced on the 20th May 2009

i102-104's Indecent Proposal Promotion

2009-04-15T10:01:00.006+01:00

A couple of weeks ago local radio station i102-104 ran their latest promotion called Indecent Proposal. Two lucky couples were locked away in a shop front on Quay Street, Galway for a week. Luckily they had showers just down the road at Barnacles Quay Street House! Check out the i102-104 website for all the goss.

Happy Easter

2009-04-14T16:03:00.009+01:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter this past weekend! There were lots of fun times to be had at Barnacles with yummy Easter eggs given away in our Dublin hostel and shots of chocolate to our guests in Galway.

World Harmony Run comes to Barnacles

2009-03-25T09:18:00.008Z

On the 21st March the World Harmony Run was launched sending a relay team of 14 runners from all over the world on thir way to begin a 1400km journey around Ireland as part of the world's largest global relay event.

The runners will carry a flaming torch around the entire coast of Ireland, a universal symbol of the friendship between cultures and nations that the World Harmony Run seeks to promote. The team will cover 90 to 120 km each day, each runner covering 5km or more.

When the runners visited Galway on the 27th March some stayed in Barnacles Quay Street House. ant to find out more? Visit the World Harmony Run wesbite.

St Patrick's Day FUN!!

2009-03-20T14:07:00.008Z

We hope everyone who stayed at Barnacles (in both Galway and Dublin) had an amazing St Patrick's Day experience. Who wouldn't have with the amazing weather that we had!

We've put some photos up on our Flickr page, so check them out and see if you can spot yourself. If you have some photos you want to share, either upload them to our Flickr group or send them through to marketing@barnacles.ie

Join the Barnacles Facebook Group

2009-03-09T14:28:00.007Z

Are you....

Thinking about coming to Barnacles? Join our Facebook group to ask us or past guests a question or check out our photos.

A past guest? Load up your photos to our Facebook group and let people know what your Barnacles experience was like.

An ex-staff member? Find other staff and reminisce about the old times on our Facebook group!

St Patrick's Day is coming quick.....

2009-02-12T17:42:00.005Z

It's not long now until the biggest celebration in Ireland - St Patrick's Day!

Barnacles Temple Bar House in Dublin is now ALL BOOKED UP for that weekend - so if you're thinking about coming over to enjoy the St Patrick's Day festivities book our Galway hostel now!!!

Barnacles Joins Flickr!

2009-02-09T16:24:00.003Z

What can you see in Dublin or Galway? Check out Barnacles' new Flickr Photostream!

Or, if you've stayed with us lately and you want to add your own photos - join and submit photos to the new Barnacles Flickr Group.

Read our guests' blogs

2009-01-28T12:13:00.002Z

Find out what others have been saying about Barnacles and what they've been doing in Dublin and Galway...

Click on their name to read the full blog.

Michael - "Staying at Barnacles Temple Bar House and it is great too. Met lots of poeple night one and we are all heading out again tonight. . .not much sleep the last few days, but good times."

Vanessa, Sweden - "I’m going to live in Ireland. At some point, I will. Its quite obvious. Dublin was like Nottingham in many ways and I felt at home in the same ways. I loved our Hostel and recommend Barnacles in Dublin to anyone"

Thesaxman, Australia - "So, yesterday, i booked an additional two nights in Galway 'Barnacles', the sister hostel of the 'Barnacles' in Dublin. It turned out to be a great move, a far better vibe, much cosier, equipped with a huge plasma screen tv and chill out room, and perched right in the heart of the cobblestoned drinking quarter right in the guts of town."

Jess, USA - "Kyle and I were hanging out quite a bit and then met up with Ben later in the common room at the hostel. Everyone I kept bumping into I just asked them if they wanted to come out. Almost everyone said yes! So, by 8:45 (our scheduled meeting time) we had a group of 13."

Want to see some of our guests' photos?

Murph, France

Jess, USA

Toorak College, Australia

TradFest is coming to Temple Bar - Irish Music and Cultural Festival

2009-01-23T14:37:00.002Z

Temple Bar TradFest: 28th Jan - 1st Feb 2009

From pipe bands to soft lullabies, to rip-roaring Celtic beats and even African rhythms to fusion and jazz, once again Temple Bar TradFest offers a world of music within the very walkable confirms of Dublin's cultural quarter.

This year, there are parades, pipebands, film screenings, photographic exhibitions and family attractions. The aim is to provide an all inclusive event, while the festival’s backbone – the pub trail – will feature over 15 venues all providing free entertainment.

Playing over five days and nights from 28th January to 1st February TradFest
continues to build on its mission of bringing traditional music to an urban setting. If you require any further information on acts, ticketing, accommodation, or to sign up for e-letters
or downloads, please visit the official website: www.templebartrad.com

Remember, Barnacles Temple Bar House is right in the heart of the TradFest action and is the perfect place to stumble home to after a night of fun!

Happy Christmas

2008-12-23T14:17:00.003Z

Ho Ho Ho ....... Merry Christmas.! We would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good news for visitors heading West

2008-12-16T11:04:00.006Z

For those you planning to visit Galway and Connemara, we are delighted to announce today that our parent company will lease all the tourist-related elements of the beautiful Kylemore Abbey, Connemara from January. This includes the visitors centre, pottery studio, craft shop, restaurant and Victorian walled garden. If you haven’t already heard of Kylemore Abbey lets just say its one of Irelands most beautiful and popular tourist attractions, judge for yourself…. http://kylemoreabbey.com/ Best of all, Barnacles customers will undoubtedly benefit from discounts and good deals at Kylemore Abbey in the new year.

If you are interested here’s a little history……Kylemore Abbey, in its famously spectacular location in Connemara, is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. The Benedictine Order, who have resided here since 1920, have a long history stretching back over three hundred and forty years, originally founded in Ypres, Belgium, in 1665.

The building itself is one of the great baronial-style castles remaining in Ireland, built between 1863 and 1868 for a Manchester politician named Mitchell Henry. Its six-acre Victorian walled garden, created by Henry in tandem with the building of Kylemore Castle (now Kylemore Abbey) is one of Ireland's finest gardens. Other important features of Kylemore Abbey include the neo-Gothic church, built between 1877 and 1881 in memory of Henry's wife, which is a miniature replica of Norwich Cathedral, complete with a crypt.

“New” hostel – Barnacles Eden Quay

2008-12-09T11:20:00.004Z

Lalco Development Company will finally begin work on our new hostel on Eden Quay, Dublin in mid January. Barnacles Eden Quay will be a sister hostel to Barnacles Temple Bar House and Barnacles Quay Street House and will be the flagship of the Barnacles group with a hip trendy design and up-to-the minute facilities. Have your say now on how this hostel should look by sending us your suggestions on what makes a good hostel, we’d love to hear from you…. Eden@barnacles.ie